Sam: No plans to remove trees

Responding to concerns by Walkabout re: city plans to install an accessible kayak launch near East Tubbs Hill Park, Deputy City Administrator Sam Taylor comments:

“The City has no plans to remove trees or expand the parking. The City has an accessible trail on Tubbs Hill here, and so it seems to be an appropriate place to also place additional accessible opportunities for those with disabilities.

“We did consider a launch at Independence Point but the idea “ran aground,” according to Parks Director Bill Greenwood.

“We’re a bit disappointed in the comment suggesting the City’s Parks & Recreation Department staff don’t appreciate trees. The City has a specific employee that works to protect and manage our tree canopy and we are proud to have planted more than 10,851 trees citywide between 2000 and 2015 and 4,960 tree seedlings over that timeframe. We have a specific employee who works hard to manage our urban forest.”